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Israel Announces Killing of Senior Hamas Commander

Israeli security forces stand guard at the site of a direct hit by a rocket from the Gaza Strip in the southern Israeli city of Sderot, on Oct. 15, 2023. | Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images

In a significant development, Israel has declared the killing of a prominent Hamas commander, Billal Al Kedra, in a strike that took place last night. This incident comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Israel’s Operation and Announcement

According to Lt. Col. (r) Peter Lerner, Israel had carried out the operation, targeting Al Kedra. This claim was further confirmed by an official statement from Israel, which stated, “Following ISA intelligence, IDF fighter jets operated in the Gaza Strip and killed Billal Al Kedra last night, the Nukhba commander of the forces in southern Khan Yunis, who was responsible for the Kibbutz Nirim massacre. Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror operatives were also killed.”

The Nukhba commander’s role was significant, and his elimination is expected to have far-reaching implications.

Kibbutz Nirim Massacre

The attack on Kibbutz Nirim is a critical part of this context. This traditional agricultural community, located near the Gaza border, was targeted in a deadly assault by Hamas on October 7th. The attack on that day marked the deadliest single day in Israel’s history.

Israel’s Determination to Defend Itself

Lt. Col. Peter Lerner emphasized Israel’s resolve to protect itself and its citizens. He stated, “We will strike Hamas from the top through its institutions all the way down to the individuals that conducted the butchering of our babies. We did not ask for this war, but we will win it.”

A Warning to Hezbollah

Lerner also issued a warning to Hezbollah, a Shia militant group based in Lebanon. He advised them to closely observe the unfolding events involving Hamas in Gaza, indicating that Israel is determined to safeguard its sovereignty.

“I would highly recommend that Hezbollah watch very closely what is happening to Hamas and their organization in Gaza as we speak,” Lerner warned. “If they have, they should be very cautious of crossing that threshold because we are determined to defend the state of Israel.”

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